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MEET OUR STAFF & LEADERSHIP
Pastor Courtney Rice Alford - LEAD PASTOR
Born in Anderson, Indiana and raised in Grays Harbor County in Washington, Courtney grew up a pastor's kid and developed a deep love for the local church from a young age. She attended Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana for both her undergraduate and graduate level education. She holds her Master of Divinity from Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry and previously worked at the national offices of the Church of God in Anderson, Indiana, before moving back to the PNW in June of 2022 when she began serving as the Lead Pastor of Edmonds Church of God. Courtney is a coffee enthusiast who is passionate about creating spaces for people to connect and be seen, known, and loved. She enjoys reading, journaling, doing puzzles, and spending time with her husband Blake, their beloved feline Lucy, and friends and family.
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Blake Alford - YOUTH LEADER
Blake has been working with youth and children for the last 10 years. In his last role, he led programming for elementary and middle school students in an after-school program at a community center in Anderson, Indiana. Before that he was a youth coordinator at a growing congregation, working with middle and high school students. He has a passion for neighborhood ministry, helping students foster a closer relationship with Christ, and empowering them to make a difference in their local community and world. He is married to Pastor Courtney Rice Alford. When they are not on PNW adventures they are keeping up with their cat Lucy.
Melody McGuire - CO-LEADER,
FAITH SPOT FOR KIDS
Melody is a licensed pastor and currently teaches pre-kindergarten. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys hiking, reading, sending cards, scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her Husky dog, Kiki. She’s been married to her husband, Bob, for 40 years, and has 2 grown sons, John (wife, Danielle) and Nick. Melody says she enjoys teaching Faith Spot because “It is a total blessing to be a part of the kiddos ‘growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ’” (2 Peter 3:18).
Beth Roberston - CO-LEADER,
FAITH SPOT FOR KIDS
Beth works part-time at a dental office doing front desk duties, and on her days off she gets to watch grandchildren. She has three grown children and three grandchildren, Henry, Lucy, and Maya, and loves spending time with them. She also enjoys baking, sewing, crafting, camping and the Mariners! Beth’s role at Faith Spot has inspired her, and she adds, “It has been my pleasure to work with the children at ECOG for many years. Faith Spot is a place where kids can learn, experience and explore the Bible. Watching them grow strong in their faith is such a blessing.”
Katie Rice - NURSERY ATTENDANT
Katie goes by the beloved name “Teacher Katie” in the nursery, both when she works in a daycare in Magnolia during the week, and when she helps out on Sundays at our church nursery. When she is not working, she is most likely out thrifting or hanging out with loved ones. Katie says that working with young children is part of a healing journey: “The biggest reason I work with kids in this capacity is that it helps me heal my inner-child as I help teach and grow with your children!”
GOVERNING
BOARD MEMBERS
Jocelyn Bratcher
Stan Gregory - Secretary
Karen Helsel
Brenda Johnson
Peggy Jones - Treasurer, ex-officio
Brandon Martin
Pastor Courtney Rice Alford - ex-officio
Mike Shouse - Vice Chair
Sharilee West - Board Chair